2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2 Corinthians 6:16 (KJV)

Context

The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth, urging believers to remain separate from unbelievers and to avoid compromising their faith. In this verse, he uses the temple as a metaphor for the believers themselves. In the Old Testament, the temple was the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people; in the New Testament, believers collectively become that dwelling place through the Holy Spirit.

Meaning

Paul’s rhetorical question, “What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?” exposes the contradiction between being indwelt by God’s Spirit and participating in false worship. The Greek word for “you” is plural, showing that Paul addresses the corporate body of believers, the church, as the holy temple of the living God. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the evidence of this reality.

Paul then quotes the Old Testament promise, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This promise, originally given to Israel, is reapplied to the church. The language of dwelling and walking signifies God’s intimate, ongoing presence and communion with His people, denoting a relationship of care, guidance, and blessing.

Biblical connections

The covenant formula, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people,” echoes the relationship God established with His people in the Old Testament. This emphasizes the exclusive and reciprocal bond between God and believers, who are chosen to be His own special people.

Application

Because believers are the temple of the living God, they belong exclusively to Him and must forsake all associations incompatible with His ownership. This calls for a deliberate separation from idolatry and compromise, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects their holy calling. The temple metaphor also connects to the church as God’s building, of which Christ is the foundation, implying that the church is to be holy and set apart for God’s purposes.

Reflection

This verse reminds believers of their unique identity and covenant relationship with God. It underscores the profound spiritual reality that God takes up residence within His people, and it urges them to live in a way that honors His presence and their calling as His chosen people.